Mumbai Airport's T1 Makeover: New Vision Unveiled, Demolition Set for 2027
CSMIA unveils vision for the new Terminal 1 in Mumbai, featuring increased capacity and a modern design. Demolition starts April 2027.
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has unveiled a bold vision for the CSMIA Terminal 1 redevelopment, promising a passenger-centric facility that blends cutting-edge infrastructure with the cultural spirit of Mumbai. The airport operator recently shared artistic impressions of the proposed terminal during a meeting with the Airport Airline Operators Committee (AOC), signaling a massive transformation for one of the city's busiest transit hubs.
Why the Change? Safety First
The current Terminal 1, which first opened its doors in 1964, has become an ageing structure struggling to keep up with modern demands. The decision to replace the facility is not merely about aesthetics but is a critical safety requirement. Independent audits conducted by Structwel in 2017 and IIT Bombay in 2024 revealed significant structural vulnerabilities and safety concerns, making the demolition and reconstruction of the terminal an urgent priority for public safety.
A Glimpse into the Future: Architecture and Aesthetics
The proposed design aims to turn the terminal into a modern gateway that celebrates Mumbai's identity. The vision includes:
- The Entrance: A sweeping departure entrance leading into a spacious check-in hall flooded with natural light.
- Cultural Touchpoints: Interiors will be adorned with art murals inspired by the city's rich cultural heritage.
- Passenger Comfort: The departure hold area is envisioned as a serene space featuring indoor greenery, premium lounges, and expansive glass facades that offer views of the runways.
- A Natural Tribute: Arriving passengers will be greeted by an artistic kerbside area featuring a large flamingo sculpture, a nod to Mumbai's unique biodiversity.
Boosting Capacity and Efficiency
Beyond the looks, the redevelopment is designed to solve the chronic congestion issues associated with the old facility. The upgrades will significantly increase the airport's ability to handle passengers:
Passenger and Check-in Volume
The annual passenger-handling capacity is set to jump by 33 per cent, rising from 15 million passengers per annum (mppa) to 20 mppa. To support this, the number of check-in counters will increase by 47 per cent, growing from 74 to 109.
Security and Boarding
Security infrastructure will see a massive 2.5-fold increase, with the introduction of 15 passenger screening lanes and five transfer lanes. Additionally, the reliance on remote boarding will be reduced as contact stands increase from seven to 25. The airport also plans to replace conventional boarding gates with 12 state-of-the-art e-gates.
Baggage Handling
To ensure a smoother exit for travelers, the number of baggage reclaim belts will more than double, increasing from five to 11.
The Roadmap: Timeline and Phasing
CSMIA has developed a phased strategy to ensure that airport operations continue without major disruptions during the construction process.
- April 2027: Demolition of the existing Terminal 1 is scheduled to begin.
- March 2029: To handle interim domestic traffic, the expansion of the G+3 T2 North-West Pier is expected to become operational.
- December 2030: The new, modern Terminal 1 is targeted for completion.
Once the entire expansion project is finished, the overall passenger-handling capacity of Mumbai airport is expected to soar to 65 million passengers per annum, cementing its position as a premier global aviation hub.